How to Handle Winter Storm Damage to Your Roof
Winter storms in western New York can hit hard and fast, leaving your home vulnerable to serious roof damage. Heavy snow loads, high winds, ice dams, and freezing temperatures all take a toll on your roofing system. Knowing how to identify and respond to storm damage quickly can make a big difference in preventing more extensive and expensive repairs down the road.
Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements, so it is essential to act swiftly and smartly when you suspect damage. Whether you’re dealing with minor leaks or more visible issues like missing shingles or sagging gutters, taking the right steps early will help keep your home secure and dry.
How to Handle Winter Storm Damage to Your Roof
Assess the Situation Safely
After a winter storm passes, the first thing to do is a visual check of your roof and the surrounding property. You should never climb onto your roof yourself, especially when it’s icy or snow-covered. Instead, do a ground-level inspection with binoculars if needed. Look for any signs of damage, such as:
- Missing or curled shingles
- Broken or hanging gutters
- Ice dams at the eaves
- Water stains or leaks in your attic or upper ceilings
- Branches or debris that have landed on the roof
Even if things look okay from the ground, you may still have hidden damage, so take a few minutes to check from inside your attic if possible. If you hear dripping sounds or notice a new draft indoors, it is best to call a professional to inspect the roof more thoroughly.
Prevent Further Damage
If you discover damage or suspect that something is wrong, it’s important to take temporary precautions to limit the impact. Handle any interior leaks with buckets or plastic sheeting to catch water and prevent ceiling stains or electrical hazards. Avoid trying to remove snow or ice on your own, as this can cause more harm than good and can also lead to injury.
In some cases, emergency tarping may be necessary to keep water out until full repairs can be made. Roofing contractors like AVA Roofing are prepared to offer these stopgap measures to protect your home while preparing for a more permanent fix.
Contact a Roofing Professional Right Away
Delaying winter storm damage repairs for your Buffalo roof during the winter months can lead to bigger problems like mold, structural issues, and insulation damage. Once you’ve identified signs of trouble, call an experienced roofing contractor to assess the damage and recommend solutions.
AVA Roofing has over 25 years of experience with Buffalo and western New York weather which allows us to help homeowners handle all types of storm-related roofing issues. Our team will inspect your entire system, from shingles and flashing to vents and drainage components, and guide you through the necessary repairs or replacements.
A reputable contractor will also document the damage for your records, which is useful if you plan to file an insurance claim. We understand how to navigate winter roofing challenges and make sure your home gets the protection it needs back in place quickly and effectively.
Understand What Insurance Covers
In many cases, winter storm damage repairs for your Buffalo home may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. After speaking with a roofing professional, review your coverage or call your agent to start a claim. Be sure to keep detailed notes, photographs, and copies of invoices and inspection reports.
A good contractor can work directly with your insurance company to help streamline the process, ensure all damage is properly recorded, and get repairs approved without delay. Our winter storm damage repair experts in Buffalo are familiar with working alongside local adjusters to ensure you receive fair and timely support.
Prepare for Future Storms
Once repairs are completed, it’s a good time to consider additional upgrades or maintenance that will make your roof more resilient to future storms. Adding ice and water shields, improving attic insulation and ventilation, or installing more secure shingles can go a long way toward protecting your home year after year.
If you had ice dams form this season, for example, it may be worth having your gutter and roofing system evaluated, in addition to other factors. Small adjustments now can make a big difference during the next storm.
Local Help You Can Count On
Living in Buffalo and western New York means preparing for heavy snow, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. When winter storms strike, having a trusted local roofing team ready to help makes all the difference. AVA Roofing takes pride in fast response times, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship that lasts through all four seasons.
If your roof has taken a hit this winter, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Call AVA Roofing in Buffalo to schedule seasonal roof maintenance, winter storm damage repair, or an inspection and keep your home safe, warm, and secure through the rest of the season.
